Modern Protocol and Evolving Traditions

For those of you who might not be familiar with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), it is a private, non-profit organization that serves as an advocacy group for the Army. It began in 1950 and has chapters worldwide. Soldiers and families, as well as community partners, and beyond, can be members. AUSA holds annual meetings in DC, and this year we were lucky to have one of our AWN protocol bloggers, Ginger Perkins, invited to speak. She graciously shared the following executive summary (EXSUM)!

AUSA held their 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition October 11-13 in DC, and Ginger presented a family programs event entitled “Modern Protocol and Evolving Traditions.” Ginger and Holly Dailey, the new AUSA Director for Family Programs, brainstormed to create a memorable event. They came up with an interactive session as well as recreating a few of Ginger’s favorite and most heartfelt customs and traditions. Because COVID has changed our world, many traditions have been lost, but soldiers and spouses were able to adapt traditions very creatively.

AUSA was thrilled to invite the Chief from Army Protocol Training Program, Elizabeth Simpson, to be part of the session. She shared practical protocol and updates to the Army protocol regulations.

The session began with why traditions are still important and relevant in the 21st century. Elizabeth demonstrated a receiving/reception line and shared a very important update—the “primary invitee” proceeds first through the receiving line then introduces their spouse/guest to the principals in the receiving line! This major change makes sense as the principals know the primary invitee. There was a lively discussion on selfies, no drinks or food in the line, no shaking the adjutant’s hand, and of course, COVID protocol.

The room then focused on the small round table with a rose, candle, inverted glass, tilted chair, and a place setting set for one. Ginger presented the solemn yet beautiful Fallen Soldier’s Table script. There was not a dry eye in the house when Gold Star spouse, Krista Simpson Anderson, lit the candle in honor of her husband and soldiers lost.

The Army spouse grog ceremony script (shared in this previous blog) was then read. It was a delicious nonalcoholic grog with a walk down memory lane from our earliest First Lady, Martha Washington, to heroic wives on the battlefield, on to our current array of resilient Army spouses!

Elizabeth then led a spirited, interactive paddle game with yes or no answers reviewing the audience’s protocol knowledge. Topics included were: appropriate attire (aloha crisp, Texas casual), promotion invitations, hanging the US flag (always with the field of blue—top left corner whether vertical or horizontal), the importance of R.S.V.P., flag etiquette (honoring the US flag during Taps, US National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, movement of a flag draped casket, reveille, “To the Colors” after retreat), the proper place setting, standing for flower presentation, and much more.

Those able to attend this session, were bestowed two books:  The Army Spouse Handbook, a 21st Century Guide for the 21st Century Military Spouse (gifted by Veterans United Home Loans) as well as the AUSA publication of Customs, Courtesies & Traditions (CC&T) of the United States Army: A Primer for Family Members; a comprehensive reference book organized in an easy A-to-Z format, perfect for Soldiers from privates to generals and their families.

Liz McKenrick, co-founder and chief operating officer of Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD) shared that AUSA has partnered up with ODYD. ODYD has a new bridal edition which includes a free copy of CC&T. Building camaraderie and strengthening community ties is what ODYD is all about!

Ending the session was a panel of seasoned spouses—John McCarthy, Cindy Risch and Brittany Raines.  A battle buddy of Ginger’s, Angel Mangum, a military spouse mentor and former SFRG advisor, was pivotal in pulling the session together. She moderated as they shared best practices and creative ways to adapt traditions during COVID. Their real-world experience was enlightening!

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers—Carolyn Crissman, Shannon George, Debra Welch, Krista, Brittany, Cindy, Liz, John, Angel, Elizabeth; and a special thanks to AUSA and Holly who made this session possible and so special and memorable!